Local News

Birth Justice Program Officer recognized by Obama Foundation

Sona Smith is a birth justice program officer for the Ms. Foundation for Women. Smith came to birth justice after having her own journey preparing for the birth of her first child in a hospital setting. She didn’t want any other woman to experience what she experienced and became a doula to prepare people in her life through pregnancy and the birthing process. “I couldn’t find any images of Black women giving birth at home, I couldn’t find a Black midwife, all the things that were really important to me,” said Smith.

In Her Own Words: Dr. Tamika Henry

Dr. Tamika Henry is the Founder of Unlimited Health Institute and is a board-certified family physician with an emphasis in functional medicine. She shared information about Rheumatoid Arthritis with the Citizen Newspaper.

Epic Academy Eyes Expansion

Epic Academy College Prep has received approval for its plan to build a $22 million state-of-the-art school. The approval from the Chicago City Council, Committee on Zoning and Chicago Plan Commission would enable Epic to purchase St. Michael’s school, which is located at 8231 S. South Shore Drive, and some adjacent properties.

Flora & Noor founder recognized by Glossier

Jordan Karim founded Flora & Noor, her Halal-certified, vegan, cruelty-free skincare company because of her love of skincare.

Giannoulias Highlights Need For Organ Donation Among Minorities During National Minority Donor Awareness Month

In honor of National Minority Donor Awareness Month, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias joined community groups, leaders, donor families and recipients to highlight the need for minorities and people of color to join the state’s organ donation registry.

Hunter promotes community wellness at annual health fair

State Senator Mattie Hunter, a dedicated advocate for public health and champion of health legislation, held her annual Family Health and Fitness Fair on Aug. 5, bringing local residents together for a day of health screenings, resources and entertainment.

RICH TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES PARTICIPATE IN NATIONAL NIGHT OUT

Rich Township Supervisor Calvin Jordan and the Rich Township Village Board and constitutional officers co-coordinated the extremely popular “National Night Out" event. Over 1000 people participated within the Village of Olympia Fields in a mass effort to promote peace and enhanced relationships between the community and the local police.

Taking Your Small Business to the Next Level

After a long period of planning and hard work, you’ve finally turned your dream of starting a small business into reality

KIDS FORMERLY INVOLVED WITH “TEEN TAKEOVER” JOIN EARLY WALKER AS HE PRESENTS THEM WITH A NEW CAREER IN CULINARY

Early Walker-CEO of I’m Telling, Don’t Shoot- will be join by Community Leaders, and the Parent for Chicago Organization to announce the success of the Parent for Chicago Communication Line that has led youth who were formerly involved with “Teen Takeover” to now be hired and enrolled in a culinary job training program. These teens had been arrested not only for their role in the infamous “Teen Takeovers,” but also for other crimes such as carjacking.

HUD SECRETARY FUDGE REITERATES COMMITMENT TO END APPRAISAL BIAS AND CREATE HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES IN MARGINALIZED COMMUNITIES

The National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) agreed yesterday to work with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to address appraisal bias and discrimination through education, outreach, and other activities.

PROTECTING CHILDREN IN THE DIGITAL WORLD IS A NON-PARTISAN ISSUE THAT DESERVES WIDE BI-PARTISAN SUPPORT

As the President & CEO of Enough Is Enough® (www.enough.org), I am announcing our strong support of the Digital Consumer Protection Commission Act introduced by Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA). This crucial piece of legislation marks a significant step forward in our collective efforts to combat the internet exploitation of children and ensure a safer digital environment for all.

Federal Trade Commission Hindering Black Economic Achievement

The Biden Administration has been pushing hard for credit for its significant economic successes. Coining the phrase ‘Bidenomics,’ the term is meant to direct attention towards the administration’s striking successful economic agenda. Under President Biden, the rate of inflation has been more than cut in half, employers have created more than 13 million jobs, wage growth has outpaced inflation, and the unemployment rate of Black workers is at a record-breaking, historic low. Now, the administration wants the public to give them credit.

16th Annual Firefest Hip Hop Block Party

The Firehouse Community Arts Center of Chicago is excited to present the 16th Annual Firefest on August 12th from 12 PM until 9 PM at 2111 S. Hamlin Ave in North Lawndale. The anticipated family-focused event is the only hip-hop block party on the west side featuring viral sensation LaRussell.

Blue Fox Impact Launches Social Justice Racial Equity Venture Across Multiple Entertainment Sectors

Blue Fox Impact announced its launch as a new venture to support and provide funding into various entertainment industry businesses. Blue Fox Impact is co-founded by Ralph G. Mendy Henderson, Jr., who will serve as Chief Executive Officer and the majority shareholder. Co-founder James Huntsman will serve as Chief Financial Officer. Lisa Gutberlet will join the leadership team as Chief Operating Officer. Blue Fox Entertainment will hold a minority stake in the company

INITIATIVE EMPOWERS COMMUNITY, SEEKS TO IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR BLACK WOMEN EAST OF THE RIVER

A new initiative, Black Women Thriving East of the River, empowered Black women across the Anacostia River to develop interventions that address two of their most pressing challenges: cancer survival and opportunities for quality jobs and careers. Now, with continued support from the Jane Bancroft Robinson Foundation (JBRF), Phase I of the interventions is being implemented and will improve the quality of life in these communities.